Why does Pudsey the Bear have an eye patch? Who designed the bear and why he is the Children in Need mascot
Pudsey #Pudsey
The BBC Children in Need appeal show returns to our screens tomorrow and will include performances from Lewis Capaldi and the dance troupe Diversity, as well as special editions of The Repair Shop and The Weakest Link.
This annual event, which raises money for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, is affectionately known as Pudsey Day, after the cute bear with the eyepatch who is the appeal’s mascot.
But what is Pudsey’s story? Here is what we know about the famous bear.
Why does Pudsey Bear have an eyepatch?
Although Children In Need began in 1980, presented by Terry Wogan, Sue Lawley and Esther Rantzen, Pudsey Bear didn’t make an appearance until 1985.
Back then, he was a more muted brown cuddly bear with a red bandana over one eye.
Created by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane, who worked in the BBC’s design department, she recalled how she came up with the idea for him.
“It was like a lightbulb moment for me. We were bouncing ideas off each other and I latched on to this idea of a teddy bear. I immediately realised there was a huge potential for a mascot beyond the 2D logo,” she said.
She was also given the task of coming up with a name for him and settled on Pudsey, after the place in West Yorkshire where she was born and grew up.
“I looked to my own experience and named him in honour of my home town and my grandparents,” she recalled.
A year later, Pudsey was given a makeover and had another in 2007. This latest incarnation with his multi-coloured polka dot eyepatch is the bear we know and love today.
But the story behind why Pudsey Bear wears an eyepatch remains something of a mystery.
One theory is that the accessory was added to make Pudsey seem in need himself, thereby making him more relatable to the charities the appeal is aiming to help.
What can I expect from this year’s BBC Children In Need?
The presenters of this year’s show will be Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey, Alex Scott and Jason Manford.
Entertainment includes a children’s takeover version of Blankety Blank and special editions of The Repair Shop and The Weakest Link.
Celebrities will once again take on Graham Norton’s infamous Red Chair – with their fate in the hands of youngsters.
As well as performances from Lewis Capaldi and the dance troupe Diversity, there will be the very first live performance of the UK’s entry for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Presenter Matt Baker also took part in this year’s Rickshaw Challenge for the appeal.
This year Children in Need has launched its campaign – Positive Relationships – which champions the life-changing differences that can be made through children’s relationships with trusted project workers.
The money raised will also be used to help those affected by the cost of living crisis.
Jason Manford said: “This year’s Positive Relationships campaign is so important – we need to ensure that children have the basic essentials, like a hot meal and a warm home, and the support they need to be the best they can be.”
Returning presenter Chris Ramsey added: “Right now, when the cost of living crisis is causing more children and families to feel anxious about their futures, money raised through BBC Children in Need’s 2022 appeal will enable the charity to provide vital frontline support workers for children in communities across the UK.”
How can I watch BBC Children In Need?
The main three-hour show will start at 7pm on BBC One on Friday 18 November, 2022.